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Monroe Township Awarded $116K Recycling Tonnage Grant from DEP Funds to Enhance Local Litter Removal and Recycling Efforts

Township receives fifth highest award in Middlesex County;

Among short list in State to receive more than $100,000 for 2018 recycling efforts 

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J.  – April 22, 2021 – In celebration of Earth Day, Monroe Township Mayor and Council today announced that the Township is the recipient of a $116,211 tonnage grant award from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP.)  Intended to further enhance local litter-removal and recycling efforts, the grant is based on the municipality’s excellent performance in 2018 recycling efforts.   

“Keeping our township litter-free while protecting the environment is a top priority for the Council and me.  We all need to do more to help keep our community clean and we will dedicate the necessary resources to support this mission,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina.  “We have instituted a monthly community clean-up campaign and the DPW team maintains an efficient process for recycling materials both at the yard and through curb-side pick-up.  This award will allow us to host more community clean-up events and improve our recycling program.”

The next community clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 from 9-11am.  To register, contact Clean Communities Coordinator, Joe Slomain at 732-656-4575.  The Township also provides resources to assist residents and businesses in proper recycling habits.  Visit https://www.monroetwp.com/index.php/curbside-recycling-guidelines for a full list of acceptable items and disposal guidelines.          

Recycling tonnage grants are awarded through the State’s Recycling Enhancement Act and are funded through a $3 per-ton surcharge on trash disposed at solid waste facilities statewide.  The NJDEP then allocates funds back to municipalities based on how much recycling each community reports accomplishing during a particular calendar year. 

Each year, Monroe Township is required by law to file an annual report documenting recycling tonnage with the NJDEP.  To file this report, the Township Recycling Coordinator collects information on the weight in tons of recycled materials from all commercial and institutional establishments in the Township. 

The year-long documentation process begins in mid-January with outreach efforts to local establishments, followed by reporting to the NJDEP in late-April and grant award notifications released the following January for two years prior.   

For a complete list of recycling tonnage grants by municipality, visit www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/stats.htm.

All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or skennedy@monroetwp.com.